What police procedural crime drama series follows a group of FBI profilers in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they use behavioral analysis to investigate crimes?

The police procedural crime drama series that perfectly fits this description is Criminal Minds (Review). This popular show centers on an elite group of FBI profilers who are part of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) based in Quantico, Virginia. Each episode typically follows the team as they travel to various locations to investigate particularly heinous crimes, using their expertise in behavioral analysis and profiling to understand the perpetrators, known as "unsubs" (unknown subjects), and prevent further harm. The series premiered in 2005 and became a significant success, spanning many seasons and even leading to a revival titled Criminal Minds: Evolution.

What makes Criminal Minds particularly engaging and educational is its unique approach to crime-solving. Unlike many procedurals that focus heavily on forensic evidence, this series delves deep into the psychology of the criminal mind. The BAU team meticulously examines crime scenes, victimology, and behavioral patterns to construct a psychological profile of the unsub, aiming to predict their next moves and ultimately apprehend them. This focus on "criminal investigative analysis" is a dramatized version of the real-life FBI unit, and the show often features quotes from famous philosophers or historical figures to set the tone and provide thematic depth to each case.

Beyond the cases, Criminal Minds also explores the personal lives and challenges faced by the profilers themselves, showing the emotional toll of their work. For instance, the character of Dr. Spencer Reid, known for his extraordinary intellect, wore glasses on the show because the actor, Matthew Gray Gubler, was allergic to contact lens solution, a detail that became part of his character's look. Interestingly, the show was originally going to be called "Quantico," after the FBI Academy's location. The enduring popularity of Criminal Minds highlights a public fascination with understanding the complexities of human behavior, even its darkest aspects.